Cincinnati African American Events and Things to Do in 2026

What’s happening in Black Cincinnati in 2026 & 2027

Cincinnati African American Events this year.

Hip-hop, R&B, soul, Jazz, reggae, gospel, old school, and symphony live-music concerts happening in Cincinnati in 2026 & 2027

Black composers, plays, museum exhibits, comedy shows, concert series, operas, dance recitals, local music, and festivals in Cincinnati.

Black Cincinnatians can routinely and affordably enjoy the performing arts, fine arts, musicians, entertainers, comedians, program initiatives, and more. Arts and entertainment at Cincinnati African American Events can help improve physical and mental health.

Text VOBC to 513-966-3328 to receive an updated weekly calendar of Black events in Cincinnati!

See what’s happening in Black Cincinnati this week!

Feel free to submit an event to be considered in this article. All Cincinnati African American Events listed are as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to verify the information before taking action.

2026 Cincinnati African American Events

Gerald Albright Jazz Concert

November 13, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
The GRAMMY‑nominated musician will bring his signature blend of smooth jazz, funk, and soulful improvisation to the intimate Cincinnati venue.

Louis Langrée Conducts Ravel Symphony

November 13 & 14
Music Hall (OTR)
The return of Music Director Laureate Louis Langrée brings us a focus on Ravel’s music, showing us the different styles in which Ravel composed throughout his life.

The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston R&B Concert

November 14, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for timeless hits like “Kiss and Say Goodbye,” “Shining Star,” and “There’s No Me Without You,” the group continues to captivate audiences with their smooth harmonies and soulful sound.

Mercy Montessori Open House

November 15, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Mercy Montessori Center (Walnut Hills)
Greater Cincinnati families are invited to explore the campus, connect with experienced faculty, and learn how an individualized Montessori foundation nurtures curiosity, confidence, and belonging in children from Preprimary (age 3) through 8th Grade.

An Evening with Kenny G Jazz Concert

November 15, 7 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Known for iconic hits such as Songbird, Forever in Love, and Silhouette, Kenny G has captivated audiences worldwide throughout a career spanning more than four decades.

GCS ft. Eric Gales, Dennis Chambers & Billy Sheehan Concert

November 15, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
GCS brings together three of the most electrifying musicians in modern music: two time Grammy nominated guitarist and vocalist Eric Gales, Modern Drummer Hall of Fame drummer Dennis Chambers, and five time Best Rock Bass Player Billy Sheehan.

Music in the Museum

November 18, February 3, & April 14
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
One of Cincinnati’s best kept secrets, the 1929 Grand E.M. Skinner Concert Organ sits quietly near the entrance to the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater for guests to admire. Many visitors walk by the console in its case and think it is simply a relic. Little do they know the magical music it can make!

The Renaissance Orchestra

November 19, 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
A dynamic live music collective redefining the orchestra experience by blending hip-hop, R&B, soul, and live instrumentation into high-energy, immersive performances.

Rahsaan Patterson R&B Concert

November 20, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for his rich sound and dynamic stage presence, Patterson brings more than three decades of musical artistry to Cincinnati.

Strauss Spectacular Symphony

November 21 & 22
Music Hall (OTR)
Conductor Phillipe Jordan, in his highly-anticipated CSO debut, leads a Strauss spectacular for the senses.

America the Beautiful | OMNIMAX

Through November 25
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Through spectacular cinematography, discover America’s vast and varied natural worlds that are our greatest natural wonder.

Marion Meadows Jazz Concert

November 27, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for his soulful melodies, contemporary jazz style, and chart-topping hits, Meadows delivers a captivating live performance that appeals to both longtime jazz enthusiasts and new listeners alike.

Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert Live to Film Symphony

November 28 & 29
Music Hall (OTR)
The Cincinnati Pops presents Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in concert, featuring the complete film with the score performed live-to-picture!

‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil

December 2 – 13
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
An exhilarating new spin on the beloved Christmas classic as only Cirque du Soleil can imagine. This vibrant acrobatic spectacle about the joy of sharing and friendship promises to spark lasting memories in the hearts of children and adults alike.

Fred Hammond Gospel Concert

December 3, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for his powerful vocals, inspiring messages, and timeless hits, Hammond has been a leading voice in contemporary gospel for decades, uplifting audiences around the world.

Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer

December 4, 7 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Starting at $37
Step into the magic and nostalgia of the holidays and let this musical celebration become part of your family’s annual tradition. Use promo code VOICE for 20% off tickets.

Mindi Abair’s I Can’t Wait For Christmas Jazz Concert

December 4, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Joined by five exciting solo artists, Mindi delivers Christmas classics, fresh original songs, and heartfelt moments that will make you laugh, tear up, and leave with your heart full of the Christmas spirit.

Conrad Tao, Mozart & Prokofiev Symphony

December 4 & 5
Music Hall (OTR)
Gemma New’s magnetic artistry guides the CSO in a century-spanning celebration of musical imagination.

Hot Chocolate: An African American Nutcracker

December 4 & 5
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
A fresh production filled with breathtaking dance, unforgettable music, dazzling visuals, and the warmth of family, culture, and community. Inspired by the timeless magic of The Nutcracker, Hot Chocolate reimagines the classic through the richness of the African American experience, blending ballet with contemporary, jazz, modern, hip-hop, African diasporic movement, and powerful storytelling.

Holiday Pops Symphony

December 11 – 13
Music Hall (OTR)
Featuring talented choirs and dancers from around our city, plus special guests and a few surprises along the way, this is the Cincinnati Pops concert that captures all the wonder, warmth, and togetherness of the holidays. 

Black Santa

December 17, 3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Cincinnati Art Museum (Mt Adams)
Free Admission
Includes professional photos with Black Santa, sponsor activities, music, and the chance to explore the museum’s galleries. The evening celebrates the joy of seeing diverse traditions represented in holiday celebrations, reinforcing the spirit of belonging and community.

Rescheduled: The Pharcyde Rap Concert

December 18, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Their shows blend sharp lyricism, off‑kilter humor, and the laid‑back West Coast vibe that made them cult favorites.

NYE: Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown Symphony

December 31, 8 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
On New Year’s Eve, the Cincinnati Pops becomes a soul-powered time machine and a living jukebox of some of Motown’s greatest hits. From the very first downbeat, the air crackles with that unmistakable Detroit groove — brassy riffs, velvet harmonies, and basslines so smooth they practically dance on their own.

2027 Cincinnati African American Events

Hook in Concert Symphony

January 2 & 3
Music Hall (OTR)
Steven Spielberg’s beloved 1991 classic Hook comes to life on stage as the Pops performs John Williams’ iconic score live-to-picture as the full film plays on the big screen above the Orchestra.

Cristi Conducts Brahms Symphony No. 3 Symphony

January 8 & 9
Music Hall (OTR)
A chance discovery led to the revival of Florence Price’s music, including her Ethiopia’s Shadow in America, a full-bodied orchestral work which depicts the plight of Africans, from enslavement to resignation, faith, and adaptation.

Come As You Are Symphony

January 15 & 16
Music Hall (OTR)
In a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, we tell the story of the American cultural tapestry through love, spirituality, innovation and diversity.

Celebrate Black Empowerment Day

January 16, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (West End)
Highlights Cincinnati’s history, present and future via a Black lens through art, performance, film, informational community booths, workshops, vendors, speakers, and so much more.

Najee Jazz Concert

January 16, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Renowned for his dynamic performances and signature blend of jazz, R&B, and soul, Najee has captivated audiences worldwide for decades.

Don Quixote & Enescu Symphony No. 3 Symphony

January 22 & 23
Music Hall (OTR)
Richard Strauss’ blends motifs depicting humor and heroism to reflect Don Quixote’s quixotic adventures, brought vividly to life by Alisa Weilerstein. CSO’s own Christian Colberg joins as the steadfast sidekick, helping to tell this larger-than-life story.

A.R. Rahman Symphony

January 26 & 27
Music Hall (OTR)
A Grammy and two-time academy award winner, Rahman is one of the world’s most prolific music composers and the musical genius behind the soul-stirring music of Slumdog Millionaire.

Jose James Sings Sinatra with the Blue Wisp Big Band

January 27, 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
The celebrated jazz vocalist explores the legacy of one of the greatest American voices of all time.

Stravinsky X Kendrick Lamar Symphony

January 29 & 30
Music Hall (OTR)
A daring fusion of Stravinsky’s Petrushka and Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize–winning DAMN., two works linked by their “show-within-a-show” format and their protagonists’ struggles with identity and reality.

“The African Company Presents Richard III” Play

January 29 – February 14
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (OTR)
Tells the story of an all-Black theatre troupe in 1821 determined to stage Shakespeare’s tragedy on their own terms. As their bold production takes shape, a rival white theatre mounts its own Richard III just blocks away, threatening to undermine, overshadow, and outmaneuver them. What follows is a charged battle of artistry, ego, and survival, where the stage becomes a proving ground and performance itself becomes an act of defiance.

Jamal Roberts Gospel Concert

January 30, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Blending gospel, R&B, and contemporary influences, Roberts delivers heartfelt performances that connect with audiences through both passion and authenticity.

Ali Siddiq Comedy Show

January 30, 8 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Ali Siddiq has built a massive, devoted fanbase clamoring to attend his live shows and watch his masterful specials.

Tchaikovsky & Bruckner: Epic Romance - 1

Tchaikovsky & Bruckner: Epic Romance Symphony

February 5 & 6
Music Hall (OTR)
Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, aptly described by its composer as a fantasy, offers some of the most unforgettable love themes ever written.

Arrested Development Rap Concert

February 6, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for hits like “Tennessee” and “People Everyday,” the group blends socially conscious lyrics with infectious rhythms that continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

Valentine’s Day with Alex Bugnon featuring guest Jeff Kashiwa

February 13, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Audiences can expect a captivating blend of soulful melodies, contemporary jazz favorites, and dynamic performances from two celebrated artists known for their exceptional musicianship.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Broadway Musical

February 16 – 28
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar®-winning and Tony Award®-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Marcus Miller Jazz Concert

February 25, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Renowned for his virtuosic playing, genre-blending style, and collaborations with icons, Miller delivers a dynamic live performance that showcases the very best of jazz, funk, and soul.

Beethoven & Berio Symphony

February 27 & 28
Music Hall (OTR)
This time-bending journey weaves together past and present through three generations of musical perspectives.

Extraordinary Women Symphony

March 5 & 6
Music Hall (OTR)
This program celebrates the enduring impact of female composers, from 19th-century pioneers to a trailblazer of today.

Bach St. Matthew Passion

March 13 & 14
Music Hall (OTR)
From the opening chorus to the final chorale, Bach weaves a tapestry of human sorrow, divine grace and ultimate redemption.

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

March 17, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Known for their vintage-inspired performances and world-class musicianship, the ensemble transforms familiar songs into fresh and unforgettable live experiences.

Billy Joel Songbook with Tony DeSare

March 19 – 21
Music Hall (OTR)
Tony DeSare lends his signature vocals and dynamic piano playing to a symphonic celebration of the Piano Man’s most iconic rock hits. Billy Joel Songbook with Tony DeSare will be brought to life under the baton of acclaimed Black conductor Damon Gupton.

Melvin Seals & JGB

March 20, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Led by legendary keyboardist Melvin Seals, the group blends rock, blues, funk, gospel, and improvisational artistry into a dynamic live performance that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.

Avery*Sunshine R&B Concert

March 27, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An evening of soulful vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and uplifting music that blends R&B, jazz, gospel, and funk influences.

The Uninhabited Island

April 2 & 3
Music Hall (OTR)
From spirited folk energy to romantic elegance, Music Director Laureate Louis Langrée reveals his “desert-island” favorites.

Eric Darius Jazz Concert

April 9, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
An evening of high-energy contemporary jazz led by one of the genre’s most exciting and charismatic saxophonists.

Mozart & Prokofiev

April 10 & 11
Music Hall (OTR)
It’s rare that two such in-demand artists make their CSO debuts on the same program, one that takes the listener on a journey from spark, to intimacy, to ultimate triumph.

Classical Roots

April 17, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
For more than two decades, Classical Roots has stood as a beloved Cincinnati tradition, honoring the powerful legacy and enduring influence of African American music.

Charles Lloyd with James Francies, Larry Grenadier & Kweku Sumbry

April 22, 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Joining Lloyd are an exceptional lineup of musicians, including pianist James Francies, bassist Larry Grenadier, and drummer Kweku Sumbry, creating a powerful quartet that blends innovation, improvisation, and artistry.

John Violinist Live!

April 23, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Blending classical technique with contemporary sounds, John delivers a captivating performance that showcases the violin in fresh and unexpected ways.

Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances

April 23 & 24
Music Hall (OTR)
Written within a few years of one another and from three distinct points of view, these works illuminate contrasting inner worlds.

Brian Culbertson Jazz Concert

April 28, 8 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Known for his dynamic performances and elaborate stage productions, Culbertson will be joined on tour by an eight-piece band

American Originals: Bluegrass Summit

April 30 – May 2
Music Hall (OTR)
From tender ballads to barn-burning breakdowns, experience the raw virtuosity and close-harmony storytelling of bluegrass elevated by the rich, full sound of the Pops.

The Wailers Reggae Concert

May 1, 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Carrying forward the groundbreaking sound that helped bring reggae to audiences around the world, The Wailers continue to celebrate the timeless music and message of Bob Marley through powerful live performances.

May the Fourth: The Music of Star Wars

May 4, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
From the shimmering mystique of the “Force Theme” to the heart-pounding intensity of the “Imperial March”, the Pops will transport you to a galaxy far, far away, bringing every interstellar battle and tender moment of hope vividly to life. 

Cristi Conducts Mahler Symphony No. 9

May 8 & 9
Music Hall (Downtown)
Mahler’s final completed symphony is a farewell to life. His vulnerability, felt throughout the entire work, gives way to the humor and tumult of the earthly experiences Mahler knew, especially in his youth.

Ray Chen, Korngold & Shostakovich

May 14 & 15
Music Hall (Downtown)
Each of these three composers, though it may not be evident at first, made significant contributions to diverse forms of musical entertainment.

John Lewis: Good Trouble Opera

June 18 & 20
Music Hall (Downtown)
Librettist Diana Solomon-Glover and composer Maria Thompson Corley weave together the heartwarming, heroic story of a boy from humble beginnings, armored only in his belief in “The Beloved Community,” who put his life on the line to secure the right to vote for all Americans.

Cincinnatians can enjoy Cincinnati African American Events nearly every night of the week. Visit our weekly list of things to do to see which arts centers, concert halls, auditoriums, and venues offer chamber, classical, philharmonic, orchestral, choral, folk, R&B, hip-hop, soul, or gospel music.

Cincinnati is also fortunate to have nationally known artists display their talents in the Queen City music scene. Touring acclaimed African American artists, artistic directors, singers, music directors, and performers routinely visit.

When purchasing tickets for Cincinnati African American Events, ask the box office about exclusive deals, discount options, community performances, dress rehearsals, recitals, or same-day options. Some events will sell out quickly, so buy tickets while you can.

The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.

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